These hot dog days of summer can be very difficult on your cat, especially if he or she gets overheated. Heat-related health issues – like heat exhaustion and heat stroke – are not just problems for people, they are also a major concern for our cats.

Although cats tolerate heat well, if it gets too hot or your cat does not have access to fresh water they can get in trouble. Elderly cats and cats with existing health concerns are even more at risk. Cats will pant to cool down, but it’s not that effective. Your cat is at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke when it’s very hot or relatively hot and very humid.

Do you know what to look for and what to do if your cat gets overheated?

Spotting heat stress in your catSome breeds are more at risk than others. Flat-nosed breeds such a Persians have a difficult time breathing in the hot temperatures, putting them at further risk.

If your cat has been exposed to the heat and hasn’t had access to an area to cool down or enough water, your cat is at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Here are some signs of heat stress in your cat: * Panting, drooling and excessive grooming in an effort to cool off* Heavy panting and/or difficulty breathing* Glazed eyes* Rapid heartbeat* Excessive thirst* Lethargy* Lack of coordination* Excessive thirst and salivation* Vomiting* Deep red or purple tongue* Seizures* Staring/anxious expression* Unconsciousness

What to doIf your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, the first step is to call your veterinarian. They may encourage you to try and cool your cat down. This can be done by moving your cat into an air-conditioned or cool area and applying cold, damp towels or ice packs to his or her head, neck and chest. You may want to run a cool stream of water on your cat. Let your cat drink small amounts of cool water as well.

If your cat is unconscious or has lost consciousness, call your vet immediately. They may have you try some of these cooling techniques on the way to their office. Getting veterinary help immediately when your cat has suffered heat exhaustion and possible heat stroke is vital to helping your cat survive and recover. Being able to take your cat’s temperature could also help you determine the level of distress your cat is facing.

If your cat’s temperature is 100 to 103 degrees, this is normal to slightly elevated and requires that you keep an eye on your cat. From 103 to 104 degrees, you should have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian. If your cat’s temperature is 105, this is considered life threatening and should be treated be a veterinarian immediately.

TreatmentOnce you get your cat to his or her veterinarian, they will determine if your cat has suffered heat exhaustion or heat stroke or may have other health issues at play. Your vet may continue to use cool water or ice to bring your cat’s temperature down. He or she may also use cool intravenous fluids to help lower your cat’s temperature, re-hydrate your cat and minimize any damage that may have been done to your kitty’s organs.

Even if your cat stabilizes quickly, it will be difficult to gauge how much organ damage may have occurred without follow up evaluations and monitoring. If your cat has a slight episode, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian to get advice on if your cat needs more medical attention and monitoring.

The best course of action is prevention. In our next post, we will look at ways to keep your cat cool in the hot weather.

Northern Illinois Cat Clinic is a full service cat-only veterinary clinic that has been providing exceptional cat care with state-of-the-art technology since 1982. Their goal is to make your cat feel at home in their comfortable, safe and loving environment. The American Association of Feline Practitioners has recently certified the Northern Illinois Cat Clinic as a Cat-Friendly Practice. Learn more at online at http://northernilcatclinic.com, visit them at 295 Peterson in Libertyville, or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NorthernIllinoisCatClinic..